Hyperpigmentation results in darker and patchy skin on the face and other parts of the body. It can occur in any type of skin. However, the occurrence of hyperpigmentation is higher during pregnancy, after an injury, or in old age. It may appear on the face, hands, inner thighs, legs, around the mouth, buttocks, and on back. Here is a hyperpigmentation guide for you, read on-
Reasons for Hyperpigmentation
Hyper-pigmentation is common in many individuals. It can occur in people of all races, ages, and gender. In addition, hyper-pigmentation is the condition in which due to excessive or inadequate production of melanin skin appears patchy, uneven, discolored, or spotted.
Balanced production of melanin can be hampered due to various reasons. Melanin is that part of the skin that provides color to the skin’s surface. Interestingly, the high production of melanin gives dark or brown color while less production gives fair color to the skin.
When skin is exposed to sun rays for a longer period, the skin is damaged, hyperpigmentation and age spots are formed, which are also called a form of hyperpigmentation.
Patches occurring dues to over-sun exposure are sunspots that appear on the face, hands, and legs.
Also, pregnancy can change hormone levels in women thus affecting melanin production in them.
Moreover, certain medications such as chemotherapy medicines cause side effects in form of hyperpigmentation.
Other reasons are burns, injuries, cuts, or acne.
Also, a condition named Addison’s disease is a reason for more pigment in some parts of the skin, sometimes.
Factors that can trigger hyperpigmentation and age-spots
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin cells that produce this dark pigment shift into overdrive. While birthmarks are produced at birth, hyper-pigmentation and the skin blemishes that develop, can be triggered by factors including:
- Pregnancy
- Birth control pills
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Sun exposure
- Acne
- Surgery
- Certain face creams can irritate the skin
- Picking at scabs may worsen
Skin blemishes tend to form in concentrated patches, as a result of these factors. Hence, these can make the once-smooth complexion look uneven and blotchy. Those who enjoy skin tanning do not have healthy skin. Their skin is severely damaged and needs to be protected.
Possible Treatment for Hyperpigmentation
This hyperpigmentation guide makes you aware of all treatments and options available to get rid of the issue. Go through the following and choose prudently what works for you-
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel helps to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation since it contains acids with strong concentrations. Also, this procedure removes the upper layer of skin or epidermis and the layer beneath emerges.
Both over-the-counter and professional chemical peels are possible. However, this treatment may have side effects. These are such as redness, irritation, infection, scarring, blistering, and allergic reaction.
A word of caution-
Using chemical peels makes your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Therefore, it is recommended to restrict going out for a week after the treatment and use sunscreen.
Skin surfacing or laser peel
This treatment involves aiming the affected skin with beams of light. There are two methods-
Ablative lasers intensely remove the skin layers. On the other hand, non-ablative treatment promote cell growth and skin tightening.
Consult your medical professional for the right treatment for your skin type and related side effects, if any.
Microdermabrasion
This is a professional procedure that targets the epidermis gently. This method requires multiple sessions for the best results.
Dermabrasion
Like microdermabrasion, dermabrasion gently removes the upper layer of skin but it also penetrates the top layer of the dermis. This is suitable for injury scars, acne scars, chicken pox scars, sun damage, and age spots. Besides, this method is quicker as compared to microdermabrasion and is most suitable for fair skin.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment Products
This hyperpigmentation guide informs you not only about expensive treatment but also at-home remedies. Besides, several treatments, there are multiple over-the-counter creams and lightning creams available to reduce hyperpigmentation. These are affordable options but with a longer duration time to feel the difference.
Darker skin tones may benefit from lightening creams available over-the-counter. Though some products may contain mercury, it is advised to consult your dermatologist beforehand.
Some ingredients that these products contain are- niacinamide, glycolic acid, retinoids, kojic acid, soy, mequinol, and vitamin C. However, creams containing steroids and hydroquinone creams may cause redness, irritation, rashes, inflammation, sores, and extreme dryness. Therefore, consult a dermatologist if you are using these products for a long duration.
Now, we hope the above hyperpigmentation guide helped you to form the right decision for treatment.
